MAURITIUS IFC :
ACCESSING THE MAURITIUS ADVANTAGE
Mauritius is the leading International Financial Centre for investment, financial services and trade in the rapidly developing African region:
Strategic location – Regional hub:
Strategic geographical position as part of the African continent
Bridge between US/Europe and Asia aided by convenient time zone at GMT+4
Close cultural, business and bilateral ties with Asia and Africa.
Member of African Union, COMESA and SADC
Business friendly – stability and security:
Business friendly legislation and government committed to growth of international business as key pillar of stable economy.
Stable democracy based on Westminster model: Ranks first in Africa in the democracy index.
Strong dual UK and French-based legal system with UK-based company legislation and trusts, foundations and limited partnership laws.
Fair and impartial judicial system with Privy Council in London as final court of appeal providing certainty.
Reputed International Arbitration Centre.
No exchange control.
Compliant with international norms – Signatory of the ‘Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting’ with top rating from OECD – and has adopted highest standards of practice, anti-money laundering norms and transparency.
World Bank in its latest Doing Business Report ranks Mauritius 1st in Africa and 25th globally for its ease of doing business.
Mo Ibrahim Index on Good Governance positions the jurisdiction first in Africa as does the Index of Economic Freedom.
International Financial Centre:
Strong track record as a financial centre of choice for emerging markets’ investment.
Preferred domicile for US and European funds and multinational corporations investing in the regional markets of south-east Asia and Africa.
Robust banking system. Regulated by the Bank of Mauritius with major international banks and strong local banks operating in Mauritius.
Successful regional stock exchange (SEM) member of World Federation of Exchanges.
Big Four and major professional firms present
Population of 1.2 million providing pool of highly qualified and multilingual professionals. Multilingualism eases communication with French-speaking Africa.
Network of double taxation avoidance agreements offering fiscal efficiency.
Network of investment promotion and protection agreements offering unparalleled risk mitigation opportunities with respect to investments, including guarantees against expropriation of assets and discrimination between local and foreign investors and provision for dispute settlements.
State-of-the-art connectivity and infrastructure, including a contemporary airport, the operation of an air corridor between Mauritius and Changi Airport in Singapore linking Asia to Africa, modern office premises with plug-and-work facilities available at competitive rates and convention centres for hosting of business conferences.
Base for living:
Pleasant and secure living environment with excellent hotels and celebrated beaches.
Open immigration policy that facilitates the relocation of foreign talent to Mauritius, with expatriate occupation permits issued within 3 days and business permits within 15 days.